Facilitators are struggling in remote work settings. How can you effectively overcome the challenges?

El éxito en un entorno digital, cuando se trata de una facilitación remota, no depende solo de dominar la tecnología, sino también de anticiparse a los problemas técnicos. Siempre es recomendable contar con un plan B en caso de fallos inesperados. Ya sea disponer de una segunda plataforma o tener alternativas preparadas para mantener la continuidad, esta prevención garantizará una experiencia fluida y sin interrupciones.

Consider these strategies: Utilize Technology: Choose reliable platforms with features like breakout rooms, polls, and interactive tools to enhance engagement and mimic in-person interactions. Communicate Clearly: Set clear expectations and participation guidelines to ensure everyone knows how and when to contribute. Encourage Interaction: Use activities like Q&A sessions, group discussions, and interactive tasks to keep participants actively engaged. Manage Time Well: Break sessions into shorter segments to prevent screen fatigue, ensuring an efficient and focused flow. Foster Personal Connections: Schedule informal check-ins or virtual coffee breaks to build rapport and maintain open communication.

To overcome challenges in remote work, facilitators can focus on clear communication, set expectations, use collaborative tools, schedule regular check-ins, and encourage team engagement to ensure productivity and alignment.

La clave de la satisfacción radica en gestionar adecuadamente las expectativas del cliente. Al recopilar desde el inicio sus expectativas, se facilita el monitoreo y la gestión continua de las mismas.

Virtual sessions can be especially challenging when expectations aren't clear. I find that it helps to share expectations in writing before the session, and then cover expectations again during the session. I'll send a short, easy-to-digest email before the session with the session goal and tips for getting the most out of the session. Then I'll share expectations again during the live session, sharing the bullet point version in the chat so that people can reference them during the session. I find this helps to get everyone on the same page.

In my experience, the first 5 minutes of your session are mission-critical for creating the conditions for engagement to happen. I focus on giving my participants a warm welcome, giving them easy ways to start engaging from the get-go, and building connection before diving into content or too much talking. This helps to create safety, belonging, and trust which are the foundations for engagement throughout the session.

Recomiendo incorporar elementos de juego, como competencias, tablas de evaluación o retos, para motivar a los participantes a completar tareas o contribuir activamente. La gamificación añade un toque de diversión y competitividad saludable y genera la colaboración esperada entre los participantes de una reunión o encuentro remoto.

In such situations, I recommend what I call the ORRARR strategy (no, not Oprah, ORRARR:-) 1. O=Observe remote facilitators in action. 2. R=Reflect on what you observed. 3. R=Research how what you observed can be remedied 4. A=Adapt/Adopt=Help them to adapt or adopt what based on your observations and research. 5. R=Repeat, observe the facilitators in action, once more. 5. R=Review whether what was adapted/adopted has or is working. While a personal strategy, I have found my ORRARR strategy most useful. Try it!!